Indomitable Spirit, Impossible Odds

The Spirit rovers days may be numbered. Surpassing its intended lifespan by more than five-and-a-half years, the beloved robots energy source is depleting and, come Spring, the rover could become inoperable. Nine months ago, Spirit's wheels broke through a crusty surface layer becoming trapped in the loose sand hidden underneath. Efforts to free the rover have barely budged it, and scientists fear theyve run out of maneuvers to try.

Scientists are still working to improve Spirit's angle, in the hopes that the rover might be able to collect enough power to continue doing research from its stuck position.

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